Vacations on the Fly – Last Minute Travel Tips for the Perfect Impromptu Getaway

You don’t need to be naturally spontaneous to admit that some of the best travel memories come from snagging a perfectly timed last-minute deal just when you’re craving a few days away. Whether you’re in need of a weekend getaway or a week sat relaxing on a palm-laden beach, here are five of the best last-minute travel tips that can help you snag the best deals to satisfy your wanderlust.

Be Flexible with Your Flights

Undoubtedly, the key to scoring a last-minute flight is all about adaptability, as simply being open to traveling at different times, dates, and even airports further afield means you can save hundreds of dollars each time. Airlines hate flying with empty seats, and while it may mean catching the first flight out in the morning, by doing so, your wallet will thank you.

In addition to this, be receptive to a stopover somewhere – airlines are well known for offering cheap last-minute flights to passengers who are open to flying to their hub airport first. These bargain prices can be ideal for a spur-of-the-moment family vacation or a weekend getaway with your friends.

Consider Alternative Destinations

Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from trips to new places you never thought you would visit. Last-minute travel can be immensely rewarding, particularly when you visit less-frequented destinations that are off the beaten path.

In fact, improvised travel can go hand-in-hand with the popular trend of authentic travel and hyperlocal exploration. This is because by favoring less-popular cities and destinations, it can reveal genuine hidden gems and the chance to explore regions that remain untouched by mass tourism.

If this sounds like you, but you’re not great at picking where to go, another top last-minute travel hack is to search for late flight deals, but leave the destination open. This way, the search engines pick out all the best last-minute flight deals, and who knows, by next week, you could be exploring Europe, Hawaii, or even Australia for far less than you think.

Try to Travel Mid-Week or Off-Peak

Another superb tip for last-minute travelers is to opt to avoid peak travel times, such as on weekends. Whether it’s traveling by plane or opting for a bus or a train, the best deals tend to be available for those open to traveling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when demand is low, and the fares are more competitive.

In addition to the bargains you’ll find when traveling off-peak, this can also help you avoid long lines at customs or picking up your rental car, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your last-minute vacation. Not only that, but by traveling during quieter travel periods, it means you often have a wider selection of seating and the best hotel rooms available, as peak season travel can’t grant you this freedom.

Take the Chance to Explore or Visit Family and Friends

This might surprise you, but not all last-minute getaways require you to visit a far-flung location. Instead, you can use your time off work to discover a new city nearby, or escape to the coast on a detour destination, as this way, you’ll save money on travel expenses to enjoy yourself more when you arrive.

Furthermore, you can also take a spontaneous last-minute travel excursion to visit family you’ve been longing to see, or catch up with a school friend whom you haven’t seen for years. After all, a meaningful visit can be equally as satisfying as a vacation away to a long-haul destination, plus you’ll save money by doing so with your cheap last-minute tickets.

Choose Best Western Hotels & Resorts for Hassle-Free Stays

Whether you decide to check out a new city or head out on an impromptu skiing vacation for a week, sometimes the best adventures just happen when you least expect them. The beauty of jumping on a last-minute vacation is the sense of freedom it can give you, but also the savings you can make on your accommodation too.

Wherever you choose to visit, it’s easy to find the best last-minute hotel deals with Best Western, as with more than 4,000 hotels and resorts worldwide, you know you’ll be set for a comfortable stay wherever you land. From city breaks to coastal retreats, we’ll turn your spontaneous getaway into a luxury, stress-free retreat.

Aside from being spoiled for choice with so many destinations to choose from, you can also secure our exclusive room rates as members of our award-winning Best Western Rewards® program. Not only that, but you can also earn free nights’ stays or Pay with Points, which adds to the allure of a last-minute travel vacation.